Part separator cleaning apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-quality machined parts produced by CNC machine devices need efficient collection and cleaning methods to prevent damage and facilitate washing, as traditional methods like dropping parts into a basket can cause impact damage and make downstream washing difficult due to dried-on lubricants or processing fluids.
Innovation Solution
A part separation and cleaning apparatus with a liquid holding tub, indexing plate, and drive mechanism that rotates to collect parts in discrete compartments, incorporating a liquid pump, filter, and ultrasonic cleaning, along with sensors for automated operation and part detection, to prevent damage and efficiently wash parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If parts are collected by dropping into a basket, then collection is simple, but impact damage occurs and downstream washing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The collection system is segmented into multiple discrete compartments on the indexing plate, each capable of holding individual parts. This segmentation prevents parts from impacting each other during collection while maintaining simple operation through automated indexing movements.
Solution Approach 2:
Parts are placed into compartments before the indexing plate rotates, preventing impact damage during transfer. The compartments are pre-positioned to receive parts gently, and the indexing mechanism ensures parts are already secured before movement occurs.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If parts are collected in discrete compartments, then impact damage is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The indexing plate serves multiple functions: it collects parts in discrete compartments, transports them without impact, and positions them for downstream processing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate collection and transport mechanisms, thereby reducing overall device complexity despite the segmented design.
Solution Approach 2:
The indexing plate automatically indexes to position compartments for part reception and downstream processing without requiring external intervention. The drive mechanism provides automated indexing, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
3Device complexity
If traditional collection methods are used, then device complexity is low, but washing efficiency decreases due to dried-on lubricants
Solution Approach 1:
Parts are collected and transported in a controlled manner before washing, preventing lubricants from drying on surfaces. The indexing plate keeps parts in a ready state for immediate washing, ensuring optimal washing efficiency without requiring complex additional processing steps.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus effectively collects and separates parts without damage, facilitating easy washing by preventing contact and ensuring parts are cleaned efficiently, reducing the complexity and time required for downstream cleaning processes.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid pump can be included in liquid communication with the liquid holding tub. The liquid pump can cause movement of a liquid disposed within the liquid holding tub.
Implementation Method 2
a liquid filter can be included and can be disposed along a liquid flow path
Implementation Method 3
a heating unit can be included and can be configured to heat a liquid within the liquid holding tub
Implementation Method 4
one or more ultrasonic transducers can be included and can be mounted to an underside of the liquid holding tub
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments herein relate to part separation and cleaning devices. In an embodiment, a part separation and cleaning apparatus is included having a liquid holding tub defining an interior volume. The liquid holding tub can include a bottom pan defining a center aperture and an outer perimeter, a perimeter wall attached to the bottom pan adjacent to the outer perimeter thereof and a center sleeve attached to the bottom pan over the central aperture and extending upward away from the bottom pan. The apparatus can further include a motor and a drive shaft. An indexing plate within the liquid holding tub can be connected to the drive shaft. The indexing plate can rotate and can include a plurality of discrete compartments. A control circuit can be configured to cause the drive unit to initiate an indexing movement in response to a received signal. Other embodiments are also included herein.